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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Total Hip Replacement. Was On Vanco. Culture Showed Skin Cell Bacteria. What Is Going On?

Hello, I had a Total hip replacement on July 2 nd. Cultures showed skin cell bacteria? Was on VANCO for the next three days before being released. Was home for a few days, and my wound was leaking quite a bit. My home care nurse and Dr brought me back in for a wash out... Long story short.. I've had two washouts, am home for two weeks now. I have a drain in place and am averaging 100 to 120ml of drainage per day... I am on IV VANCO twice a day. I am 61 years old and am obese. My question is.. Will this leaking ever end?

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Thu, 22 Aug 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

I am very sorry to say this but whether the leaking wound heals or not, the infection inside will stay there unless the prosthetic components are removed. This is because of the fact that the bacteria will get adhered to the prosthetic components surface and secrete a "biofilm" around them into which the antibiotics cannot penetrate. So there is no chance for the complete eradication of infection.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Had Total Hip Replacement. Was On Vanco. Culture Showed Skin Cell Bacteria. What Is Going On?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. I am very sorry to say this but whether the leaking wound heals or not, the infection inside will stay there unless the prosthetic components are removed. This is because of the fact that the bacteria will get adhered to the prosthetic components surface and secrete a biofilm around them into which the antibiotics cannot penetrate. So there is no chance for the complete eradication of infection. Hope this information is helpful. Good day